2011.03.02 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
March 2, 2011
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm
by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Sodd, Mr.
Lehnertz, Mr. Schuneman, Mr. Jungroth and Mr. Moewes-Bystrom. Also present were:
Ms. Moore from the City Council; Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. Also
attending were Emily Anderson and Derek Larson from Tobacco Free Youth.
The minutes were approved as amended.
Ms. Anderson and Mr. Larson from Tobacco Free Youth met with the Commission to
highlight the Tobacco Free Parks Program and ask the Commission to review Crystal’s
current tobacco free policy. Ms. Anderson highlighted that several cities have upgraded
their policies to make all park facilities and programs tobacco free. She also reminded
the Commission that the project offers free signage to cities. The Commission agreed to
review the policy at the April meeting.
Ms. Haney gave the Chairperson Report. The Commission discussed scheduling 2011
work plan items. Also, discussion of the Brunswick Avenue parking lot at Bassett Creek
Park was added to the work plan.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the Three Rivers Park District Crystal Lake Regional Trail project.
Three Rivers requests approval of the trail corridor from each affected city for funding
purposes.
Moved by Mr. Jungroth and seconded by Mr. Moewes-Bystrom
to recommend that the City Council approve a resolution of support
for the Three Rivers Crystal Lake Regional Trail master plan.
Motion carried – Unanimous .
The City Council will consider a resolution in support of the trail at the March 15 th
meeting.
Mr. Rauen reported on the Broadway Park Phase 11 street project. Broadway Park will
be used for the site office for the project. The Commission expressed concern that the
park would be restored to pre-construction levels.
Mr. Rauen updated the Commission on the 639 wetland project at MAC Park.
The Commission reviewed the first reading of the Special Events in Parks Ordinance.
Wording changes to Subd. 9 and Subd. 14b were suggested. There was discussion on
how the Frolics relation to the ordinance since some events are city sponsored. It was
suggested to include the Frolics in Subd. 4 with the other exclusions. Ms. Hackett will
check with the City Clerk and City Attorney to see if this should be included in the
ordinance. If it is not appropriate to be included in the ordinance, the Commission s
thought that something should be in writing so that there could be discussion regarding
the ordinance and the Crystal Frolics.
Ms. Hackett distributed a recap of the pool concession operation for 2010. Commission
members were unhappy that the concession stand will be replaced with vending
machines for 2011. The loss of the jobs and the service was of concern. Since the
primary service of the pool is to provide a safe swimming facility, Ms. Hackett explained
that there is little else available for reduction in the pool budget and the City Council did
agree to expand the pool hours three days a week. This season will be closely
monitored for implication of the closed concession stand. This will be added to the 2011
work plan.
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report:
· Alley project was approved
· Delinquent taxes were dealt with
· Donation to Prism and NEAR from the charitable gambling fund
· The sewer lining project in the Broadway neighborhood was approved
Ms. Haney reported on the Crystal Frolics Committee. The Crystal Business Association
may organize the parade. The bands are booked.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report. The new board is looking for
volunteer opportunities. Cedarwood apartments will give a room to the Frolics for the
Police. He suggested that the Commission may want to host a meeting.
Ms. Hackett reminded the Commission members of the Appreciation Dinner in April.
Invitations will be mailed.
The Tree Board will meet at 6:30pm on April 6.
The Commission will fulfill their Park Pride obligation on May 4 at 6:30pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:51pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder